Study on the Leakage Suppression Mechanism of Contact Mechanical Seals with Gas Sealing Channels Considering Surface Wettability Based on the Lattice Boltzmann Method

Abstract

This study presents a novel leakage model for contact mechanical seals using the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) combined with the Shan-Chen pseudo-potential model, investigating the influence of surface wettability and gas-liquid interactions on leakage behavior. By incorporating real surface morphology data, the effects of different wettability conditions on the pressure drop rate of leaking fluids are analyzed. Furthermore, the research examines the complex and significant effects of gas-liquid viscosity ratios on leakage performance. Unlike traditional macroscopic CFD models, this study accounts for the micro-scale gas-liquid interface effects, offering a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of leakage phenomena. These findings provide valuable theoretical insights for optimizing mechanical seal designs and enhancing sealing performance in various engineering applications.

Keywords: Contact Mechanical Seals, Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM), Gas-Liquid Interactions, Surface Wettability